Fluid connector assembly and method of establishing a fluid connection

ABSTRACT

Fluid connector assembly and methods are usable to establish a sealed fluid connection. The connector assembly comprises a female union connector having an axial bore extending therethrough, internal threads, and an internal shoulder. The connector assembly also comprises two male connectors, each male connector having an axial bore extending therethrough and external threads. The connector assembly further comprises two ring-shaped seals adapted to form a fluid seal between the female union and the male connectors. The first seal contacts the first side of the internal shoulder and a front end of the first male connector to form a fluid seal therebetween. The second seal contacts the second side of the internal shoulder and a front end of the second male connector to form a second fluid seal therebetween.

This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/152,750, filed on Jan. 10, 2014, havingthe title of “Fluid Connector Assembly and Method of Establishing aFluid Connection,” which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, byreference.

FIELD

Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure relate,generally, to fluid connector assemblies and methods usable to establishfluid connection between pressurized fluid lines and equipment and, morespecifically, to connector assemblies comprising a female unionconnector and two male connectors usable for establishing a sealed fluidconnection between pressurized fluid conduits or a fluid conduit andother equipment and

BACKGROUND

The development of the petrochemical industry has emphasized the needfor means to transfer oil, gas, and other fluids over distances andoften under rigorous conditions. The means, to transfer such fluids mostoften, has taken the form of marine or terrestrial conduits andpipelines. Specifically, in constructing a continuous fluid conduit, theends of two conduits or pipes are joined axially to form a singleconduit that is used to communicate a medium from one point to another,such as between two vessels, containers, other fluid conduits, orcombinations thereof.

There are numerous methods currently used in the pipe and pipelineconstruction industry to obtain a secure joint. These methods employdifferent types of connectors and can be distinguished by the variousways in which such connectors are employed. The selection of thesedifferent methods will usually depend on the overall design requirementsof the fluid system. Often, fluid systems comprise identical pipesegments that are welded end-to-end in an abutting relationship. Suchwelded pipelines, tend to be expensive to construct, and considerabletesting must be undertaken to evaluate the integrity of the welded pipejoint. Moreover, this evaluation process must be continuously repeatedover the life of the pipeline. In addition to being able to withstandinternal pressurization, marine flow lines, for example, must be able towithstand the high external pressures associated with placement alongthe seabed.

In addition to welded pipelines, a variety of mechanically coupledconduits have been proposed. These mechanically joined conduits areusually constructed of flanges or clamps that result in large diameterjoint segments, which cannot be used easily in J-tubes.

Flanged fittings and gaskets are typically used in rigid piping systems,such as water filtration plants, sewage disposal plants, wastewatertreatment plants, pumping stations, chemical plants, and refineries.Often times, the flanged fitting is threaded directly onto the pipe.This is accomplished by threading an end of a pipe and threading acompatibly sized flanged fitting. The threaded flanged fitting is thenmachine-tightened onto the end of the pipe and transported to the fieldin this joined condition. The threaded flanged pipe is then connected toanother flanged pipe, usually by bolting means. In order to obtain aleak-free joint, a gasket may be used between the faces of thetwo-flanged fittings.

The use of threaded flanged fittings presents several limitations.Specifically, the threaded flanged fitting is custom machined toaccommodate the exact diameter of the pipe and to provide a smoothsurface across the end of the pipe and the face of the flanged fitting.In addition, extremely high torque is required to tighten properly theflanged fitting onto the threaded pipe. Consequently, one majorlimitation of this system is that preparation of the flanged fitting andpipe requires sophisticated machinery not usually available on-sitewhere the finished component will be assembled and installed. A furtherproblem with flanged fittings is that the time taken to tighten a largenumber of flange bolts to the torque, necessary to achieve a good sealbetween the pipe, gasket and seal, can be considerable. It wouldtherefore be advantageous if the use of flange bolts could be eliminatedand the torque needed to achieve an efficient seal reduced without anyloss of seal integrity.

Push-on joints and mechanical joints, utilizing conventional threadedconnections, have an increased tendency to loosen after a lengthy periodof use, especially when repeatedly placed under large bending forces,thereby rendering their use unsuitable for marine applications. Thus, anew fluid connector assembly is needed that can be used with standardpipe or pressure vessels, can be assembled easily in the field, and isequally or more stable and secure than other alternatives now available.

Joining lengths of pipe, tubing, or other fluid conduits by means of athreaded connection typically utilizes the use of a coupling (e.g., aunion connector), which generally comprises a short tubular hollow piecethat is about one half inch to one inch larger in outer diameter thanthe pipe and is threaded on its inside diameter. Generally, the couplingis threaded allowing the connection to be uncoupled by unscrewing thepipe, comprising an external thread, from one or both ends of thecoupling.

It is desirable in forming a fluid connection that the connectorassembly satisfies several functions. Often times, the materials beingtransported are liquid or gaseous in nature, and particularly in thosecircumstances, it is desired and needed that the fluid connectorassembly provide a seal against leakage between mating threadedelements. This could be achieved by providing, upon makeup of theconnector assembly, a seal between faces of male and female threadedelements. Therefore, a need exists for the mating portions of theconnector assembly to maintain surface-to-surface contact to preventleakage therebetween.

Another important design requirement and need exists when it becomesnecessary to join the pipe components in a rigid or restrained manner.Specifically, it is desirable that the coupling have the capability toresist tension and thereby prevent the connection from pulling apartwhen the piping system is subjected to internal pressure or when earthtremors or other external forces contact the pipes. In addition, thecoupling preferably should also have resistance to torsion in order tokeep the pieces of pipe from rotating relative to the coupling andthereby being disconnected from the coupling. Lastly, a couplingpreferably should have structural rigidity to avoid yielding underbending tension or compression stresses, or any combinations thereof.

In order to accomplish these needs, those skilled in the art areconstantly in search of improved means for securing ends of fluidconduits to form a sealed fluid connection therebetween. Thedisadvantages of the prior art are overcome by the present invention.

SUMMARY

Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure include aconnector assembly usable to form a fluid connection. The connectorassembly comprises a union connector having a generally cylindricalshape with a bore extending therethrough along a longitudinal axisthereof, wherein the union connector has a first end and a second end.The union connector comprises an internal annular shoulder extendinglaterally relative to the longitudinal axis, first internal threadsbetween the first end of the union and the internal annular shoulder,and second internal threads between the second end of the union and theinternal annular shoulder.

The connector assembly further comprises a first male connector having agenerally cylindrical shape with a bore extending therethrough along alongitudinal axis thereof, wherein the first male connector comprises afirst end and a second end, with external threads adjacent to the firstend thereof. The connector assembly further comprises a second maleconnector having a generally cylindrical shape with a bore extendingtherethrough along a longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the second maleconnector comprises a first end and a second end, with external threadsadjacent to the first end thereof. Engagement between the unionconnector and the male connectors joins the axial bore of the unionconnector with each of the axial bores of the male connectors to definea flowpath for communicating a medium.

The connector assembly further comprises two seals. The first seal has agenerally annular shape, wherein the first seal engages the internalannular shoulder and the first male connector to form a fluid sealtherebetween. The second seal has a generally annular shape, wherein thesecond seal engages the internal annular shoulder and the second maleconnector to form a fluid seal therebetween.

Another embodiment of the fluid connector assembly has a central axisextending longitudinally therethrough, wherein the fluid connectorassembly comprises a female connector having a generally tubular bodywith a central passageway extending therethrough along the central axis.The female connector comprises a ring-shaped protrusion extendingradially inward from an inside surface of the tubular body. Thering-shaped protrusion comprises a first side surface and a second sidesurface opposite the first side surface, a first internal thread sectionpositioned on the first side of the ring-shaped protrusion, and a secondinternal thread section positioned on the second side of the ring-shapedprotrusion.

The fluid connector assembly further comprises two seals. The first sealhas a generally ring-shaped configuration for engaging the ring-shapedprotrusion to form a fluid seal therebetween. The second seal has agenerally ring-shaped configuration for engaging the ring-shapedprotrusion to form a fluid seal therebetween.

The fluid connector assembly further comprises two male connectors. Thefirst male connector has a generally tubular body with a centralpassageway extending therethrough and along the central axis. The firstmale connector comprises an external thread section for engaging thefirst internal thread section and a front sealing surface for engagingthe first seal to form a fluid seal therebetween. The second maleconnector has a generally tubular body with a central passagewayextending therethrough and along the central axis. The second maleconnector comprises an external thread section for engaging the firstinternal thread section and a front sealing surface for engaging thesecond seal to form a fluid seal therebetween.

Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure include amethod for making a fluid connection. The method comprising the steps ofthreadably engaging a first male fluid connector with a female fluidcoupling, threadably engaging a second male fluid connector with thefemale fluid coupling, contacting a first metal seal with an internalannular shoulder of the female fluid coupling, thereby forming a fluidseal therebetween. The method further comprises the steps of contactinga second metal seal with the internal annular shoulder of the femalefluid coupling, thereby forming a fluid seal therebetween, contactingthe first male fluid connector with the first metal seal, therebyforming a fluid seal therebetween, and contacting the second male fluidconnector with the second metal seal, thereby forming a fluid sealtherebetween.

The foregoing is intended to give a general idea of the invention, andis not intended to fully define nor limit the invention. The inventionwill be more fully understood and better appreciated by reference to thefollowing description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the detailed description of various embodiments usable within thescope of the present disclosure, presented below, reference is made tothe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of a fluid connectorassembly usable within the scope of the present disclosure, whichincludes an embodiment of the fluid connector assembly in a disengagedposition.

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluidconnector assembly usable within the scope of the present disclosure,which includes an embodiment of the fluid connector assembly in adisengaged position.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a unionconnector usable within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a firstmale connector usable within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a secondmale connector usable within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the fluidconnector assembly usable within the scope of the present disclosure,which includes an embodiment of the fluid connector assembly in anengaged position.

FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectional close-up view of an embodiment of thefluid connector assembly usable within the scope of the presentdisclosure, which includes an embodiment of the fluid connector assemblyin an engaged position.

FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional close-up view of an embodiment of aring seal usable within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional close-up view of an embodiment of aring seal usable within the scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before describing selected embodiments of the present invention indetail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limitedto the particular embodiments described herein. The disclosure anddescription of the invention is illustrative and explanatory of one ormore presently preferred embodiments of the invention and variationsthereof, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes in the design, organization, order of operation, meansof operation, equipment structures and location, methodology, and use ofmechanical equivalents, as well as in the details of the illustratedconstruction or combinations of features of the various elements, may bemade without departing from the spirit of the invention.

As well, the drawings are intended to describe the concepts of theinvention so that the presently preferred embodiments of the inventionwill be plainly disclosed to one of skill in the art, but are notintended to be manufacturing level drawings or renditions of finalproducts and may include simplified conceptual views as desired foreasier and quicker understanding or explanation of the invention. Aswell, the relative size and arrangement of the components may differfrom that shown and still operate within the spirit of the invention asdescribed throughout the present application.

Moreover, it will be understood that various directions such as “upper”,“lower”, “bottom”, “top”, “left”, “right”, and so forth are made onlywith respect to explanation in conjunction with the drawings, and thatthe components may be oriented differently, for instance, duringtransportation and manufacturing as well as operation. Because manyvarying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of theinventive concept(s) herein taught, and because many modifications maybe made in the embodiments described herein, it is to be understood thatthe details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative andnon-limiting.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the Figures show exploded isometric anda cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid connector assembly(10) usable within the scope of the present disclosure. Specifically,the Figures show an embodiment of the fluid connector assembly (10) in adisengaged position, comprising a union connector (60), a first maleconnector (20 a), a second male connector (20 b), and first and secondring seals (80 a, 80 b). FIGS. 1 and 2 also depict a generally

Referring also to FIG. 3, the Figure shows a cross-sectional view of anembodiment of the union connector (60) in accordance with the presentdisclosure. The Figure depicts the union (60), also referred to in theindustry as a coupling or a female connector, having a generallycylindrical body (61) with a bore (62) extending therethrough, along thecentral axis (11). The depicted union (60) further comprises externalflat gripping surfaces (65) arranged in a hexagonal formation andextending from the cylindrical body (61) at approximately the centerthereof, wherein the gripping surfaces (65) can enable an operator torotate the union (60) or can prevent it from rotating about the centralaxis (11). As further depicted in FIG. 3, the union comprises aninternal annular shoulder (70), depicted as a ring-shaped protrusion,extending within the bore (62) from the cylindrical body (61) towardsthe central axis (11), and extending in a generally lateral directionwith respect to the central axis (11). The annular shoulder (70) isshown comprising five surfaces, wherein four of these surfaces aresealing surfaces (72 a-b, 73 a-b) that can be adapted to contactcorresponding sealing surfaces of the ring seals (80 a, 80 b) to form ametal-to-metal seal therebetween, as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7. Thecentral surface (71) can comprise a generally smooth surface, which isdepicted as the innermost surface with respect to the central axis (11),wherein the central surface (71) is depicted positioned at the center ofthe annular shoulder (70) and extending in a generally parallelorientation with respect the central axis (11). The diagonal sealingsurfaces (73 a, 73 b) are depicted comprising generally smooth surfacesthat are located adjacent to the central surface (71). Furthermore, thediagonal surfaces (73 a, 73 b) are depicted having a sloping orientationwith respect of the central axis (11), having a smallest diameteradjacent to the central surface (71) and the largest diameter adjacentto the side sealing surfaces (72 a, 72 b). The sloping surfaces (73 a,73 b) are shown comprising truncated conical shapes oriented apex toapex. FIG. 3 depicts side sealing surfaces (72 a, 72 b) comprisinggenerally smooth surfaces that can extend between the diagonal surfaces(73 a, 73 b) and the cylindrical body (61), and can extend in agenerally perpendicular (e.g., radial) direction relative to the centralaxis (11) of the union connector (60).

FIGS. 2 and 3 further depict the union connector (60) comprisinginternal threads (75 a, 75 b) extending about the internal surface ofthe cylindrical body (61) on either side of the annular shoulder (70).Although the Figures depict the threads (75 a, 75 b) having a squarethread form, any other thread form, particularly having a generallystraight (i.e. parallel) thread configuration, may be used, includingtrapezoidal, Acme, V-shaped, buttress thread forms, tapered thread formsor any other thread form that allow the external threads (35 a, 35 b) ofthe male connectors (20 a, 20 b) to fully engage the internal threads(75 a, 75 b) of the union connector (60).

FIGS. 2 and 3 further depict the union connector (60) comprising endfunnels (66 a, 66 b) that can extend concentrically from the tubularbody (61) at each end thereof. Each end funnel (66 a, 66 b) can have agenerally cylindrical shape, having an outside diameter larger than theoutside diameter of the cylindrical body (61) and an inside diameterlarger than the inside diameter of the cylindrical body (61). Thetransition between the cylindrical body (61) and each end funnel (66 a,66 b) comprises sloped shoulders (67 a, 67 b), which can contact themale connectors (20 a, 20 b) during engagement, as described below.Therefore, the end funnels (66 a, 66 b), having a larger diameter bore(62) can help capture the male connectors (20 a, 20 b) during engagementwith the union connector (60). Furthermore, FIGS. 1 and 3 depict eachend funnel (66 a, 66 b) comprising four threaded holes (76 a-d, 78 a-d)extending therethrough, along the lateral direction with respect to thecentral axis between the outer surfaces (68 a, 68 b) and the innersurfaces (69 a, 69 b) of each end funnel (66 a, 66 b). The threadedholes (76 a-d, 78 a-d) are adapted to receive connectors such asthreaded bolts (77 a-d, 79 a-d), which threadably engage the holes (76a, 76 b) and extend therethrough protruding past the inner surface (69a, 69 b) and into the bore (22 a).

Depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 are metallic seals referred to as ring seals(80 a, 80 b), which can have a generally annular or ring-shapedconfiguration, and which have surfaces adapted to engage the shoulder(70) and form a fluid seal therebetween. Referring now to FIG. 8, theFigure depicts a close-up cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thefirst ring seal (80 a) in accordance with the present disclosure. TheFigure depicts the first ring seal (80 a) comprising an outer section(88 a) and an inner section (89 a) located radially inward from theouter section (88 a), wherein the outer section (88 a) can comprise afirst side surface (82 a) and a second side surface (92 a) extending ina generally perpendicular (e.g., radial) direction relative to thecentral axis (11) of the connector assembly (10). FIG. 8 also depictsthe top surface (81 a) as the outermost surface with respect to thecentral axis (11), wherein the top surface (81 a) is shown extendingbetween the side surfaces (82 a, 92 a) in a generally parallelorientation with respect the central axis (11). FIG. 8 further depictsthe inner section (89 a) comprising a first diagonal surface (83 a) anda second diagonal surface (93 a) extending outwardly from the first andsecond side surfaces (82 a, 92 a), in a generally diagonal (e.g.,sloping) direction relative to the central axis (11) of the connectorassembly (10). The diagonal surfaces (83 a, 93 a) are shown comprisingtruncated conical shapes that can be oriented base to base. Lastly, thebase surface (85 a) can comprise a generally smooth surface, which isdepicted as the innermost surface with respect to the central axis (11).The base surface (85 a) is depicted extending between the outer edges ofthe diagonal surfaces (83 a, 93 a) in a generally parallel orientationwith respect the central axis (11), whereby the base surface (85 a) candefine a generally cylindrical area.

In another embodiment of the connector assembly (10), the first and/orsecond ring seals (80 a, 80 b) can comprise additional elastomeric sealsto change and/or improve sealing characteristics of the connectorassembly (10). Referring now to FIG. 9, the Figure depicts the firstring seal (80 a) comprising O-ring seals (87 a, 97 a) positioned withingrooves (86 a, 96 a) (e.g., channels) extending along the circumferenceof the first and the second diagonal sealing surfaces (83 a, 93 a). Uponfull engagement between the first male connector (20 a, see FIG. 4) andthe union (60, see FIG. 3), the first O-ring (87 a) can be compressedagainst the diagonal sealing surface (33 a, shown in FIG. 4) of the maleconnector (20 a), while the second O-ring (97 a) can be compressedagainst the first diagonal sealing surface (73 a, shown in FIG. 3) ofthe union connector (60). Material composition of the O-rings (87 a, 97a) may be a nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), polytetra-fluoro-ethylene(PTFE), or any other material having properties suitable for thespecific application of the connector assembly (10). Although theembodiment of the first ring seal (80 a) depicted in FIG. 9, shows theuse of O-rings (87 a, 97 a), it should be understood that in otherembodiments of the connector assembly (10), the O-rings (87 a, 97 a) canbe replaced with any seal type adapted to create a fluid seal,including, but not limited to, U-cup seals, lip seals, and ring seals.Although only the first ring seal is described incorporating O-rings (87a, 97 a), it should be understood that the second ring seal (80 b),depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, can comprise the same or similar O-rings orother additional elastomeric seals, as the first ring seal (80 a).

Although the above description and FIGS. 8 and 9 depict and describe thefirst ring seal (80 a), it should be understood that the second ringseal (80 b), shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7 can include the same or asubstantially similar configuration as the first ring seal (80 a).Specifically, the second ring seal (80 b) can have the same or similarcomponents and/or parts as those of the first ring seal (80 a), whichwas described above and depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. The second ring seal(80 b), depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7 has been labeled with likereference numerals to the first ring seal (80 a) to represent the samecomponents and/or parts, but ending with the letter “b.” These includecomponents and/or parts of the second male connector (20 b), such as agenerally cylindrical body (21 b), a bore (22 b), a thicker portion (23b), circular cavities (24 b), gripping surfaces (25 b), and femalethreads (30 b). Furthermore, the second ring seal (80 b) can alsofunction in the same or a similar fashion as the first ring seal (80 a).Specifically, the second ring seal (80 b) can be placed within the bore(62) of the union connector (60) for forming a fluid seal with thesecond side and diagonal sealing surfaces (72 b, 73 b shown in FIG. 3)of the annular shoulder (70) and for forming a fluid seal with the frontand diagonal surfaces (32 b, 33 b shown in FIG. 5) of the second maleconnector in the same or a similar manner as the first ring seal (80 a)described above.

Referring now to FIG. 4, showing a cross-sectional view of an embodimentof the first male connector (20 a) in accordance with the presentdisclosure. The Figure depicts the male connector (20 a) having agenerally cylindrical body (21 a) with a bore (22 a) extendinglongitudinally therethrough, along the central axis (11). The depictedmale connector (20 a) further comprises external threads (35 a)extending along the body (21 a), adjacent to the first end of the maleconnector (20 a) and a connection section, depicted as female threads(30 a), formed within the body (21 a) and adjacent to the second end ofthe male connector (20 a). The depicted male connector (20 a) furthercomprises external flat gripping surfaces (25 a) arranged in a hexagonalformation extending from the cylindrical body (21 a) at approximatelythe center of the male connector (20 a), wherein the gripping surfaces(25 a) can enable an operator to rotate the male connector (20 a) or canprevent the male connector (20 a) from rotating about the central axis(11). FIG. 4 depicts the male connector (20 a) having external threads(35 a) that are adapted for engagement with the first internal threads(75 a shown in FIG. 3) of the union connector (60) in FIG. 4. Althoughthe depicted threads (35 a) comprise a square thread form, any threadform having a generally straight (i.e. parallel) thread configuration,may be used, including trapezoidal, Acme, V-shaped, buttress threadforms, tapered threads, or any other thread form, which allows theexternal threads (35 a) to fully engage the internal threads (75 a) ofthe union connector (60).

As further depicted in FIG. 4, the male connector (20 a) comprises athicker portion (23 a) of the cylindrical body (21 a) having a largeroutside diameter located between the external threads (35 a) and thegripping surfaces (25 a). The thicker portion (23 a) is adapted forinsertion into the bore (22 a), defined by the first end funnel (66 a),depicted in FIG. 3, wherein the thicker portion (23 a) has an outsidediameter that is adapted for insertion within the inside surface (69 a)of the end funnel (66 a). FIGS. 1 and 4 further depict the maleconnector (20 a) having a plurality of circular cavities (24 a)extending into the thicker portion (23 a) of the cylindrical body (21a), wherein the circular cavities (24 a) can be positionedcircumferentially about the thicker portion (23 a). The circularcavities (24 a) can be adapted to receive the threaded bolts (77 a-d),an unthreaded pin, or other connector or elongated member (not shown),which can protrude past the inside surface (69 a) of the end funnel (66a) during connector (10) locking procedures, following full engagementbetween the male (20 a) and the union (60) connectors, as depicted inFIGS. 6 and 7 and further explained below. It should be understood thatany number of circular cavities (24 a) can be incorporated into the maleconnector (20 a), wherein the circular cavities (24 a) are adapted toreceive any combination of threaded bolts (77 a-d) or pins at the sametime.

In an alternate embodiment (not shown) of the connector assembly (10),the male connector (20 a) can have a rectangular groove (e.g., achannel), instead of the plurality of circular cavities (24 a),extending circumferentially about the thicker portion (23 a) of thecylindrical body (21 a). The groove can be adapted to receive thethreaded bolts (77 a-d) or unthreaded pin (not shown) which protrudepast the inside surface (69 a) of the end funnel (66 a) during connector(10) locking procedures, thereby locking the male connector (20 a)against the union connector (60) and preventing relative rotationtherebetween.

The second end of the first male connector (20 a), as depicted in FIG.4, comprises an end connection adapted to make a fluid connection with afluid conduit, a manifold, a wellhead, a BOP, or another piece of subseaequipment (not shown). As depicted, the end connection comprises afemale thread (30 a), which can be adapted to receive a male thread of afluid supply line (not shown). Alternate embodiments (not shown) of theend connection may include any connection type know in the industry forproviding a sealed fluid connection. For example, the end connection maycomprise a male thread, a flange connection, a flared end, or any otherfluid connector configured for attachment to a hydraulic line, apneumatic line, a pipe, a tubular, or any other fluid conduit or pieceof subsea equipment. As depicted in FIG. 4, the end connection can beintegrally formed with the cylindrical body (21 a), or manufacturedseparately and secured to the body (21 a) by any available means, suchas welding or a threaded connection.

FIG. 4 further depicts the first male connector (20 a) comprising afront sealing surface (32 a) and a diagonal (e.g., sloping) sealingsurface (33 a) located at the front end of the first male connector (20a). Specifically, the front sealing surface (32 a) is depicted as agenerally smooth ring-shaped surface extending in a generallyperpendicular (e.g., radial) direction relative to the central axis (11)of the first male connector (20 a), wherein the front sealing surface(32 a) can be adapted to engage the first side surface (82 a) of thefirst ring seal (60), depicted in FIG. 8. The diagonal sealing surface(33 a) of the male connector (20 a) is depicted as a generally smoothsurface adjacent to the front sealing surface (32 a) extending inwardlyfrom the front sealing surface (32 a) in a generally diagonal (e.g.,sloping) direction relative to the central axis (11) of the maleconnector (20 a), wherein the diagonal sealing surface (33 a) is adaptedto engage the diagonal sealing surface (83 a) of the first ring seal(60). The diagonal sealing surface (33 a) is shown comprising atruncated conical shape with its base adjacent to the front sealingsurface (32 a).

Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, the Figures show the first maleconnector (20 a) and the first ring seal (80 a) fully engaged with theunion connector (60). The Figures depict a connector assembly (10)comprising a central fluid passageway, having a generally uniform insidediameter, extending therethrough, formed by the male connectors (20 a,20 b), the ring seals (80 a, 80 b), and the union connector (60).

The Figures further depict the front and the diagonal sealing surfaces(32 a, 33 a) of the first male connector (20 a) engaged with the firstside and the first diagonal sealing surfaces (82 a, 83 a) of the firstring seal (80 a), forming a metal-to-metal fluid seal therebetween. Itshould be understood that while FIGS. 6 and 7 depict the front and thediagonal sealing surfaces (32 a, 33 a) of the first male connector (20a) being positioned flush against the first side and the first diagonalsealing surfaces (82 a, 83 a) of the first ring seal (80 a), inalternate embodiments of the male connector (20 a), the sealing surfaces(32 a, 33 a) may extend at an angle with respect to the correspondingsealing surfaces (82 a, 83 a) of the first ring seal (80 a). In anotherembodiment of the connector assembly (10), the sealing surfaces (32 a,33 a) of the male connector (20 a) can comprise an outwardly curving(i.e. convex) shape, resulting in a smaller area of contact with thecorresponding sealing surfaces (82 a, 83 a) of the first ring seal (80a), which can increase contact pressure therebetween.

FIGS. 6 and 7 also depict the first side and the first diagonal sealingsurfaces (72 a, 73 a) of the annular shoulder (70) engaged with thesecond side and the second diagonal sealing surfaces (92 a, 93 a) of thefirst ring seal (80 a), forming a metal-to-metal fluid sealtherebetween. It should be understood that while FIGS. 6 and 7 depictthe first side and the first diagonal sealing surfaces (72 a, 73 a) ofthe annular shoulder (70) being positioned flush against the second sideand the second diagonal sealing surfaces (92 a, 93 a) of the first ringseal (80 a), in alternate embodiments of the male connector (20 a), thesealing surfaces (72 a, 73 a) may extend at an angle with respect to thecorresponding sealing surfaces (92 a, 93 a) of the first ring seal (80a). In another embodiment of the connector assembly (10), the sealingsurfaces (72 a, 73 a) of the annular shoulder (70) can comprise anoutwardly curving (i.e. convex) shape, resulting in a smaller area ofcontact with the corresponding sealing surfaces (92 a, 93 a) of thefirst ring seal (80 a), which can increase contact pressuretherebetween.

FIGS. 6 and 7 further depict the bolts (77 a-d, 77 a and 77 c not shown)fully engaged within the threaded holes (76 a-d, 76 a and 77 c notshown) and extending into corresponding circular cavities (24 a) to makecontact with the bottom of the cavity (24 a). Once contact with thebottom or the walls of the cavity (24 a) is made, or when the bolts (77a-d) are fully threadably engaged (e.g., bottomed out) within thethreaded holes (76 a-d), the male connector (20 a) is locked with theunion connector (60), thereby preventing relative rotation therebetween.

Although the above description discusses the first male connector (20a), it should be understood that the second male connector (20 b), shownin FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6 can include the same or a substantially similarconfiguration as the first male connector (20 a). Specifically, thesecond male connector (20 b) can have the same or similar parts as thoseof the first male connector (20 a), which was described above anddepicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7. The second male connector (20 b),depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, has been labeled with like referencenumerals to the first male connector (20 a) to represent the same parts,but ending with the letter “b.” These include components and/or parts ofthe second male connector (20 b), such as a front sealing surface (32 b)and a diagonal sealing surface (33 b). These include components and/orparts of the second seal (80 b), such as a top surface (81 b), sidesurfaces (82 b, 92 b), and diagonal surfaces (83 b, 93 b). Furthermore,the second male connector (20 b) can function in the same or a similarfashion as the first male connector (20 a). Specifically, as depicted inFIGS. 6 and 7, the second male connector (20 b) can threadably engagethe second internal threads (75 b) of the union connector (60) and forma fluid seal with the first side and diagonal surfaces (82 b, 83 b) ofthe second ring seal (80 b) in the same or a similar manner as the firstmale connector (20 a) engages the union connector (60) and the firstring seal (80 a) described above.

Lastly, the male connectors (20 a, 20 b) and the union connector (60)depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be constructed from any material havingadequate strength to withstand repetitive and/or long periods of highinternal pressures and having resistance to harsh environmentalconditions, such as chemical corrosion and/or sea water.

Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure alsorelate to methods of establishing a fluid connection. Prior to engagingthe male connectors (20 a, 20 b) with the union (60), as shown in FIGS.1 and 2, the connection sections, depicted as female threads (30 a, 30b), can be connected with a fluid conduit, a manifold, a wellhead, aBOP, or another piece of subsea equipment (not shown).

Thereafter, the first and second ring seals (80 a, 80 b) can be insertedinto the bore (62) of the union (60), as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, wherebythe second side sealing surface (92 a) and the second diagonal sealingsurfaces (93 a) of the first ring seal (80 a) are positioned against thefirst side sealing surface (72 a) and the first diagonal sealingsurfaces (73 a) of the internal annular shoulder (70). Similarly, thefirst side and the diagonal sealing surfaces (92 b, 93 b) of the secondring seal (80 b) are positioned against the second side and diagonalsealing surfaces (72 b, 73 b) of the internal annular shoulder (70).

Once the ring seals (80 a, 80 b) are inserted into the union (60), themale connectors (20 a, 20 b) can be positioned in linear alignment withthe bore (62) on each side of the union (60), along the central axis(11), and inserted therein until the external threads (35 a, 35 b) makecontact with the internal threads (75 a, 75 b), respectively. At thispoint, the first and/or second male connectors (20 a, 20 b) can berotated in the same direction in relation to the union (60) until thethreads engage. Alternatively, the union connector (60) can be rotatedabout the central axis (11) as the first and/or second male connectors(20 a, 20 b) remain rotationally static, but are brought closer togetheras they threadably engage the union (60). As the first male connector(20 a) approaches full engagement with the union (60), the front anddiagonal sealing surfaces (32 a, 33 a) can make contact with thecorresponding first side and diagonal sealing surfaces (82 a, 83 a) ofthe first ring seal (80 a), thereby creating a metal-to-metal fluid sealtherebetween. Simultaneously, as the first male connector (20 a)contacts the first ring seal (80 a), the second side and diagonalsealing surfaces (92 a, 93 a) of the first ring seal (80 a) can makecontact with the corresponding first side and diagonal sealing surfaces(72 a, 73 a) of the internal annular shoulder (70) forming ametal-to-metal fluid seal therebetween. Consequently, the first ringseal (80 a) provides a fluid seal between the first male connector (20a) and the union connector (60), depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7. Furthermore,the first male connector (20 a) can be tightened within the union (60),thereby creating additional force of contact between the sealingsurfaces (32 a, 33 a) of the first male connector (20 a), the sealingsurfaces (82 a, 83 a, 92 a, 93 a) of the first ring seal (80 a), and thefirst sealing surfaces (72 a, 73 a) of the annular shoulder (70),thereby improving the sealing capabilities of the metal-to-metal seal.Simultaneously or thereafter, the second male connector (20 b) can bethreadably engaged with the union connector (60) using the same orsubstantially similar method as described above to form a fluid sealtherebetween.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedwith emphasis, it should be understood that within the scope of theappended claims, the present invention might be practiced other than asspecifically described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector assembly forming a fluid connection,comprising: a union connector having a bore extending therethrough alonga longitudinal axis of the union connector, wherein the union connectorhas a first end with opening and a second end with an opening, andcomprises: an internal annular shoulder having a width extendingparallel with the longitudinal axis; first internal threads between thefirst end of the union connector and the internal annular shoulder, thefirst internal threads slanting in a first direction; and secondinternal threads between the second end of the union connector and theinternal annular shoulder, the second internal threads slanting in asecond direction that is different than the first direction; a firstmale connector having a bore extending therethrough along a longitudinalaxis thereof, wherein the first male connector comprises a first end anda second end, wherein external threads on the first end engage with thefirst internal threads of the union connector; and a second maleconnector having a bore extending therethrough along a longitudinal axisthereof, wherein the second male connector comprises a first end and asecond end, wherein external threads on the first end engage with thesecond internal threads of the union connector, wherein the unionconnector rotates about the longitudinal axis in one direction andbrings the first male connector and the second male connector toward theinternal annular shoulder simultaneously when the first internal threadsand the second internal threads are engaged with the external threads onthe first end of the first male connector and the second male connector.2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the first male connectorand the second male connector are configured to rotate in the samedirection as each other relative to the union connector to engage theexternal threads of the first male connector with the first internalthreads of the union connector and to engage the external threads of thesecond male connector with the second internal threads of the unionconnector.
 3. The connector assembly of claim 2, wherein the first maleconnector and the second male connector are configured to rotate in thesame direction as each other relative to the union connector via thefirst male connector rotating clockwise on the first end of the unionconnector, and the second male connector rotating counter-clockwise onthe second end of the union connector.
 4. The connector assembly ofclaim 1, wherein engagement between the union connector and the firstmale connector and the second male connector joins the bore of the unionconnector with each of the bores of the first male connector and thesecond male connector to define a flow-path for communicating a medium.5. The connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a first sealhaving a generally annular shape, wherein the first seal engages theinternal annular shoulder and the first male connector to form a fluidseal therebetween; and a second seal having a generally annular shape,wherein the second seal engages the internal annular shoulder and thesecond male connector to form a fluid seal therebetween.
 6. Theconnector assembly of claim 5, wherein the first seal and the secondseal each have an outer section and an inner section that is locatedradially inward from the outer section, wherein the outer sectioncomprises a top surface between a first side surface and a second sidesurface, and wherein the inner section comprises a first diagonalsurface extending outwardly from the first side surface and a seconddiagonal surface extending outwardly from the second side surface. 7.The connector assembly of claim 5, wherein the internal annular shoulderincludes: a first diagonal sealing surface and a second diagonal sealingsurface extending diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis; and afirst side sealing surface and a second side sealing surface extendingradially relative to the longitudinal axis, from the first and seconddiagonal sealing surfaces, respectively.
 8. The connector assembly ofclaim 7, wherein the first diagonal sealing surface and the seconddiagonal sealing surface are located radially inward from the first sidesealing surface and the second side sealing surface.
 9. The connectorassembly of claim 6, wherein the first male connector comprises a frontsealing surface that contacts the first side surface of the first sealto form a fluid seal therebetween, and wherein the second male connectorcomprises a front sealing surface that contacts the first side surfaceof the second seal to form a fluid seal therebetween.
 10. The connectorassembly of claim 9, wherein the first male connector further comprisesa diagonal sealing surface that contacts the first diagonal surface ofthe first seal to form a fluid seal therebetween, and wherein the secondmale connector further comprises a diagonal sealing surface thatcontacts the first diagonal surface of the second seal to form a fluidseal therebetween.
 11. The connector assembly of claim 7, wherein thefirst diagonal sealing surface of the internal annular shoulder contactsthe second diagonal surface of the first seal, and the second diagonalsealing surface of the internal annular shoulder contacts the seconddiagonal surface of the second seal, and the first side sealing surfaceof the internal annular shoulder contacts the second side surface of thefirst seal, and the second side sealing surface of the internal annularshoulder contacts the second side surface of the second seal.
 12. Theconnector assembly of claim 1, wherein the union connector has at leastone threaded hole extending laterally therethrough adjacent to the firstend thereof, wherein the union connector has at least one threaded holeextending laterally therethrough adjacent to the second end thereof, andwherein the threaded holes receive a bolt, a pin, or an elongatedmember.
 13. The connector assembly of claim 12, wherein the first maleconnector comprises a plurality of cavities positioned along an outersurface of the first male connector, wherein the second male connectorcomprises a plurality of cavities positioned along an outer surface ofthe second male connector, and wherein the cavities of the first maleconnector and the second male connector are adapted for receiving thebolt, the pin, or the elongated member for locking the male connectorswithin the union connector.
 14. The connector assembly of claim 1,wherein the second end of each of the first and second male connectorsis configured to be connected to a piece of subsea equipment.
 15. Aconnector assembly forming a fluid connection, comprising: a unionconnector having a bore extending therethrough along a longitudinal axisof the union connector, wherein the union connector has a first end withan opening and a second end with an opening, and comprises: an internalannular shoulder having a width extending parallel with the longitudinalaxis; first internal threads between the first end of the unionconnector and the internal annular shoulder; second internal threadsbetween the second end of the union connector and the internal annularshoulder; a first male connector having a bore extending therethroughalong a longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the first male connectorcomprises a first end and a second end, wherein external threads on thefirst end engage with the first internal threads of the union connector;a second male connector having a bore extending therethrough along alongitudinal axis thereof, wherein the second male connector comprises afirst end and a second end, wherein external threads on the first endengage with the second internal threads of the union connector; a firstseal having a generally annular shape; and a second seal having agenerally annular shape, wherein the first seal and the second seal eachhave an outer section and an inner section that is located radiallyinward from the outer section, wherein the outer section comprises a topsurface between a first side surface and a second side surface, andwherein the inner section comprises a first diagonal surface extendingoutwardly from the first side surface and a second diagonal surfaceextending outwardly from the second side surface, and the first sealengages the internal annular shoulder and the first male connector toform a two-way fluid seal therebetween, and the second seal engages theinternal annular shoulder and the second male connector to form atwo-way fluid seal therebetween.
 16. The connector assembly of claim 15,wherein the internal annular shoulder comprises: a first diagonalsealing surface and a second diagonal sealing surface extendingdiagonally relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first diagonalsealing surface of the internal annular shoulder contacts the seconddiagonal surface of the first seal to form a first fluid sealtherebetween, and wherein the second diagonal sealing surface of theinternal annular shoulder contacts the second diagonal surface of thesecond seal to form a second fluid seal therebetween; and a first sidesealing surface and a second side sealing surface extending radiallyrelative to the longitudinal axis, from the first and second diagonalsealing surfaces, respectively, wherein the first side sealing surfaceof the internal annular shoulder contacts the second side surface of thefirst seal to form a third fluid seal therebetween, and wherein thesecond side sealing surface of the internal annular shoulder contactsthe second side surface of the second seal to form a fourth fluid sealtherebetween.
 17. The connector assembly of claim 15, wherein the firstmale connector comprises a front sealing surface that contacts the firstside surface of the first seal to form a fifth fluid seal therebetween,wherein the second male connector comprises a front sealing surface thatcontacts the first side surface of the second seal to form a sixth fluidseal therebetween, wherein the first male connector further comprises adiagonal sealing surface that contacts the first diagonal surface of thefirst seal to form a seventh fluid seal therebetween, and wherein thesecond male connector further comprises a diagonal sealing surface thatcontacts the first diagonal surface of the second seal to form an eighthfluid seal therebetween.
 18. The connector assembly of claim 15, whereinat least one of the first diagonal surface and the second diagonalsurface comprises an O-ring extending around a circumference thereof.19. A subsea connector assembly forming a fluid connection in a subseaenvironment, comprising: a union connector having a bore extendingtherethrough along a longitudinal axis of the union connector, whereinthe union connector has a first edge with an opening and a second edgewith an opening, and comprises: an internal annular shoulder having awidth extending parallel with the longitudinal axis and comprising acentral surface parallel with the longitudinal axis, wherein a firstdiagonal sealing surface extends diagonally relative to the longitudinalaxis from one end of the central surface, wherein a second diagonalsealing surface extends diagonally relative to the longitudinal axisfrom an opposite end of the central surface, wherein a first sidesealing surface extends perpendicularly relative to the longitudinalaxis from the first diagonal sealing surface, and wherein a second sidesealing surface extends perpendicularly relative to the longitudinalaxis from the second diagonal sealing surface; first internal threadsbetween the first edge of the union connector and the internal annularshoulder; second internal threads between the second edge of the unionconnector and the internal annular shoulder; a first male connectorhaving a bore extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis thereof,wherein the first male connector comprises a first end and a second end,wherein external threads on the first end engage with the first internalthreads of the union connector, and wherein the second end comprisesthreads; and a second male connector having a bore extendingtherethrough along a longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the second maleconnector comprises a first end and a second end, wherein externalthreads on the first end engage with the second internal threads of theunion connector, and wherein the second end includes threads, whereinthe second end of at least one of the first male connector and thesecond male connector is adapted to be connected to a piece of subseaequipment.